There's been a lot of talk about whether the 1-6 Carolina Panthers would deal wide receiver Steve Smith before Thursday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. He has no plans, however, of changing uniforms anytime soon.

According to the Charlotte Observer, Smith made it clear again Wednesday that he wants to finish his career with the Panthers—unless they release him.

Carolina's offense has had major struggles this season tied to issues up front and with the running game, but Smith's production—other than the fact he has yet to score a touchdown in his 12th year with the team—hasn't really dropped much from last season.

His 35 catches for 589 yards through seven games puts him near last year's pace when he made his fifth Pro Bowl on the strength of 79 catches, 1,394 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Observer reported Tuesday that an NFC team had asked the Panthers about Smith's availability, but that inquiry had since stalled. The 33-year-old is signed through 2015, with a $9 million club option in 2016.

Although Smith would help many teams, the Panthers—and second-year quarterback Cam Newton—are the one who need him most to come out of their slump. After Smith posted a season-high 118 receiving yards against the Bears' tough defense last week, he should be in line for another big day against the Redskins' league-worst pass defense in Week 9.